Apple hiring developers to work on iOS Maps; big changes on the way?

Are you an app developer looking for a new job? Do you like maps? Then Apple might have the dream job for you.

The Cupertino giant has posted not one, but two employment postings for the job title "iOS Maps Application Developer." The job descriptions are identical, citing that Apple is looking for "a proactive and hardworking software engineer to join our team." Along with the usual technical requirements and communications skills, the lucky two selected for these jobs will have to work at the Santa Clara campus.

Sure, these seem like run-of-the-mill job postings. But naturally, the listings have already generated buzz about whether or not Apple is planning to revamp iOS Maps entirely. Currently, the Maps app for iOS devices like the iPhone and iPod touch is powered by and relies heavily on Google Maps. And with the way the app for iOS devices stands now, it can't act as a GPS navigation device like a TomTom (or even an Android phone).

This isn't the first time that speculation arose about Apple possibly ditching Google. Apple has already picked up Placebase and Poly9, mapping companies that would help Apple build its own mapping databases rather than relying on a competitor up the road.

GigaOm points out that an iOS 5 preview is expected to pop up in April, hinting that we could see something then. Unless these job positions are filled immediately (or other developers are already hard at work on a redesign), that seems unlikely. However, a preview is just a preview, so we could be surprised shortly.